Glamour: You've been in this character's head for so long—do you ever catch yourself having a Jamie moment, or do you feel like you relate to him in some way?
S.H.: He's such a complex character, and as the season progresses he really has to grow up quite a bit. He has to decide who he wants to be in life—if this is a path and a relationship that he really wants. I think that's reflected in every young man. You have to grow up and think, "What do I want to do with my life?" There are absolutely parallels with my own experience.
Glamour: Except that Jamie's from 1740s Scotland! What about bringing that era to life has been most interesting?
S.H.: I think men at that time had a different moral code—things were simpler, in a way. If a man gave you his word, he would follow through. I think we've lost that now, and that's a shame. But the sheer costuming of the show, the weaponry, and the horse riding, that's been amazing.
Glamour: Did you know how to ride horses before?
S.H.: I'm an actor, so of course every time you go for a job you say, "Yes, I can ride a horse," and then when you get there on the day you're like, "Ahh!" But we had a weeklong boot camp where I got to really learn. Now I feel very confident, and I'm always excited to get to go for a ride. My horse is amazing; when Jamie gets a new horse at the end of the season, I was gutted.
Glamour: So, horseback riding, Outlander boot camp—that all sounds pretty intense. What's your ideal day when you're not filming?
S.H.: I love to go outdoors; climbing and hill walking are an amazing way to see Scotland. I certainly like to work out, if I can. And alcohol is normally involved at the end of the day.
Glamour: What's your drink?
S.H.: Well, I've got to say whiskey, haven't I? It's amazing. It's part of what I've enjoyed most—seeing more of Scotland, really discovering my country and the culture.
Glamour: There are so many shows that are set in England or elsewhere, but Outlander is really so much about Scotland. How does it feel to be a part of that?
S.H.: I'm very proud. The show looks fantastic; we've really brought Highland culture to the screen. I didn't speak Gaelic before—it's an impossible language to learn, but it's added so much color to the show. It was Jamie's first language, so it's been a great way to get into character.
Glamour: What's the one thing you wish people knew when they talk to you about the show?
S.H.: That I don't really want to give away too much! People always ask me why Jamie did a certain thing and what he's thinking, but I wish people would watch the show and make up their own minds about the character. I think ambiguity is a good thing, and I love the heart of Jamie and I love the heart of Scotland. If people get a little of that magic, then we've done our job.
